Rothwell Plumbing

Wigan-based Rothwell Plumbing Services has extended its partnership with vehicle rental and leasing specialist Fleet Dynamic, by setting its skilled tradesmen on the road in a new fleet of 53 Mercedes-Benz vans.

The vehicles arrived via Roanza Truck & Van – Fleet Dynamic, which operates from headquarters in Wigan, is a supplier to, as well as a customer of, the north-west
Mercedes-Benz Dealer.

Rothwell Plumbing Services’ new Mercedes-Benz vans are the subject of a flexible rental agreement with Fleet Dynamic, under which it will be able quickly and easily to increase or reduce the size of its fleet to reflect fluctuations in customer demand.

Most are Long-bodied Citans. The smallest model in the Mercedes-Benz Vans family, the Citan incorporates BlueEFFICIENCY measures such as the ECO start/stop function, low rolling resistance tyres, and optimised alternator and battery management systems, which contribute to its exceptional fuel economy – the 109 CDI variant, as specified by Rothwell Plumbing Services, returns up to 65.7 mpg in the combined cycle.

The line-up also includes 10 mid-sized Vito 109 CDIs, which are powered by advanced, 88 hp 1.6-litre engines that drive the front wheels – other variants of the same model feature rear-wheel drive. Rothwell Plumbing Services is allocating its new Vito Longs to jobs where there is not a lockable storage container on site, as a result of which its teams need to carry more tools and materials.

Founded in 1997 by former sole trader Bill Rothwell, Rothwell Plumbing Services has grown strongly and sustainably. The company now employs in excess of 150 plumbers and electricians, and provides services for major new build residential house builders, commercial construction companies, local authorities and housing associations. While growth of the business was founded on a proven track record for delivering high-quality upgrades to bathroom, kitchens, central heating systems and micro-renewable energy systems, much of Rothwell Plumbing Services’ turnover now comes from the new build market, and its work for renowned local and national housebuilders.

Rothwell Plumbing Services, which also has an office in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, is active across northern England and the midlands. Its Mercedes-Benz vans are used by plumbing and heating engineers, electricians, solar specialists and builders. All were fitted by Fleet Dynamic with roof racks to carry ladders and other equipment, and are tracked and speed-limited.

Managing Director Joe Pearson said: “We’ve rented vehicles from Fleet Dynamic in the past and received a very good service. This positive experience gave us the confidence to work with them on our new fleet. The sector for house-building and refurbishments is very competitive at the moment, and quite volatile. We may need to take on two or three vans at short notice, but likewise if things go quiet we don’t want to be paying for vehicles that sit in the yard doing nothing. Fleet Dynamic’s flexible solution will allow us to adjust the size of the fleet to meet the needs of our business.”

Mr Pearson continued: “We’re delighted with our new Mercedes-Benz vans. They look fantastic and have been very well received by our colleagues on the ‘front line’ – we’re hoping that if the lads have a bit more pride in their vans, they’ll take care to look after them. I’ve every confidence, too, that these vehicles will live up to the manufacturer’s reputation for reliability, fuel-efficiency and safety. Assuming they do, we’d envisage converting the remaining 25% of our fleet to Mercedes-Benz before too long.”

Its Managing Director Peter Rimmer commented: “Our relationship with Roanza is still relatively new but going very well. We have other Mercedes-Benz vans on our fleet and felt the Citan and Vito were ideally suited to Rothwell Plumbing Services’ operation.

“As well as enhancing our customer’s brand image, these premium-quality vehicles will benefit from the Mercedes-Benz Dealer Network’s highly professional, 24-hour back-up, which includes MobiloVan emergency roadside assistance. It was nice, too, to be able to put some reciprocal business the way of Roanza.”